Zacharia Mawat Machiek is on a journey to change this situation. His vision is to build a primary school in Abyei Ajok in South Sudan, and he is fundraising to make this vision a reality – being the Hope Road Project. Zacharia is a former Sudanese refugee. He was an orphan from the age of 10 and endured years of hardship in the war-torn country.
Zacharia and his village understand building a school will contribute towards a more peaceful community. Educating young girls may eventually free them from youth marriage, as they will be able to contribute to their families in other ways, such as skilled employment. Overall, education is a major problem in South Sudan. More than half of the population is less than 18 years old and the demand for educational services is huge.
In winter this year, Zacharia, Janet Dyne and Tom Zubrycki embarked on a 40-day journey, trekking from Tweed Heads to Sydney to fundraise for the Hope Road Project. Janet met Zacharia at TAFE and was inspired by his determination to help those in his home village. Together they formally registered a charity organisation and are working together with the South Sudan Orphan Education Committee on the Hope Road Project. Tom was the filmmaker who documented the journey every step of the way. (Footage can be viewed at www.ssoe.org.au.)
The group had a positive experience on their trek, with much goodwill and support from people along the way. They were hosted by Rotary clubs, community centres, city councils, Aboriginal organisations, local businesses and also friends. They visited schools in various towns and were able to present their story and vision. “It was great for the kids to hear Zacharia speak about the project; I think it raised a lot of awareness of the situation in which people are living in South Sudan,” Janet said.
They raised approximately $20,000 during the Hope Road walk, matching the $20,000 already raised over previous years. They require a further $34,000 to complete the first stage of the project which will allow years one and two to begin operating. Stage two (for years three, four and five) and stage three (for years six, seven and eight) will follow as sufficient funds are raised. They are aiming to have stage one built and operating in 2015. Their next step is to seek partnerships with organisations that would like to join them in bringing a school to the community of Abyei Ajok.
With fundraising efforts still underway, Zacharia and his team are more than determined to respond to the urgent request for a school. Zacharia sees a tangible opportunity to improve the lives of people less fortunate; where the upcoming generation will not miss out, as he did, on gaining a primary school education.
